Eagles end season in 45-14 loss to Lake Dallas

The varsity football team competed against the Lake Dallas Falcons in Wichita Falls on Saturday, Nov. 12.

The Eagles fell behind in the first quarter, down 17-0 after 12 minutes. Senior quarterback Travis Cosby connected with senior wide receiver Isaac Williams for a touchdown to close the gap to 17-7 with 9:35 left in the second quarter. The Eagles stopped Lake Dallas in two consecutive possessions when senior cornerback Will Toliver intercepted a fourth-down pass and the defense won a turnover on downs from within 10 yards of their own goal line. However, the offense did not capitalize on opportunities to gain ground on the Falcons and went silent. Lake Dallas senior quarterback Dalyn Williams rushed for two more touchdowns before halftime, 31-7 Falcons at the half.

Lake Dallas running back and punt returner Dontonio Jordan rushed for a 49-yard touchdown to increase the difference to 38-7. Williams connected with receiver Tyler Vance for his fifth and final touchdown of the day, third passing. Cosby rushed for a one-yard touchdown, the only Canyon score on the ground, but without enough time to come back, the final whistle blew on the Eagles’ season as they lost 45-14.

The Eagles end their season in the bi-district round of the 4A Division II playoffs at 5-6. This includes a district season where they earned fourth in District 3-4A and claimed the final berth in the playoffs.

Eagles fall to NM’s Goddard 34-28

The varsity football team competed against the Goddard High Rockets of Roswell, New Mexico on Friday. Goddard entered the game as the No. 1 rated team in New Mexico’s Class 4A football conference and the Eagles played following a bye week.

The Eagles took the first lead of the night with a touchdown but failed the two-point conversion. The game stayed close the entire night as the biggest lead was when Goddard held an eight-point advantage early in the third quarter, five lead changes and two ties. Eagles senior quarterback Travis Cosby took the offense on his shoulders as he had 20 carries for 135 yards, went 10 for 16 passing and picked up 126 yards through the air and two touchdowns overall, though junior running back Hunter Burrell also earned his keep as he handled goal-line rushes, carrying three times for 10 yards, two touchdowns and a two-point conversion.

In the final minute of the game, Goddard scored a touchdown, though missed the extra point to go up 34-28. The Eagles returned to their own 41 and attempted a last-ditch drive. Though Cosby completed a pass and got off a timeout with a second left, his final pass to the end zone fell to the ground when Rocket defenders swatted it away. With that, New Mexico’s No. 1 in Class 4A escaped with the win 34-28.

The Eagles are now 1-1 and play Lubbock-Estacado on Sept. 16 for this year’s Homecoming Game.

Fans forecast great year for football

After Thursday night’s season-opening win against Lubbock High, Eagle fans said they expect a successful season for Canyon football. The 29-7 victory over the Westerners gave fans confidence in this year and predict more great things from the team.

Some fans said this was only a warm-up.

“I think if we wait until we play a harder team, we’ll see how we do,” freshman Braxton Sides said.

Others said they already had their thoughts toward the future.

“I’m very excited about this season,” assistant principal Jerry Schaeffer said. “I’m excited about their offense and I expect great things from their defense. I think they’ll win ‘em all.”

Graduate Austin Cintella agrees.

“I think they’ll win state,” Cintella said. “From what I’ve seen, they’ve got great offense and great defense. They’re always watching the quarterback, stopping the ball before it gets any farther than it needs to.”

And some said they see a lack of experience, but do not expect it to be a problem.

“I personally think we have inexperience at the quarterback [position], but after seeing [Lubbock-Canyon], we might have a chance at a successful season,” junior David Martinez said. “I really think that we can make the playoffs this year. We have a strong senior class.”

The game revealed the team’s work ethic to students as well as a boost in attitude.

 “I think it’s good we’re getting a lot of confidence for our first game since we won,” senior Ashton Pedigo said. “Keep up the good work.”

The next game is Sept. 11 against Goddard High in Roswell, New Mexico at 2:00 p.m. Central.